Hip protector system and method for hip fracture prevention

ABSTRACT

A hip protector system includes an inflatable airbag, a proximity sensor to measure a distance to a point on the ground surface, a gyro to provide spatial orientation of the waist plane of the user, an accelerometer to determine the vertical acceleration of the waist plane of the user and a micro-controller unit. The micro-controller unit calculates a height based on proximity measurement and spatial orientation, computes values of downward velocity based on a change of the height in time and based on the vertical acceleration integrated over time and correlates the downward velocities to validate a true height in time to the ground surface. The airbag is inflated to protect the user responsive to the true height.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation application of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 13/983,066, that is now U.S. Pat. No. 9,629,399.This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 61/438,984, filed Feb. 3, 2011, which is incorporated byreference in entirety herein.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to hip protector systems, moreparticularly to active hip protector systems aimed at preventing hipfractures.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Each year, millions of elderly people around the world (especiallywomen) experience falls resulting in hip fractures (mainly, femoral neckfractures).

Hip fractures in the elderly result in physical suffering, loss ofindependence, a deteriorating mental state and high mortality rate.

Conventional hip protector devices are of a passive type. Typically,they comprise a hard high-density plastic shield and soft foam pads.These devices are usually inserted into especially designed pocketslocated over the hips, in undergarments, pants or belts.

Conventional passive hip protector devices have fundamental shortcomingsespecially:

-   -   There is no unambiguous evidence as to their efficacy in        preventing hip fractures    -   Their cumbersome design and wearing result in low client        compliance

The following brief citations were taken from articles published inthree professional magazines. The articles report on three independentclinical trials of conventional passive hip protectors carried out inThe US and the UK.

Their conclusions demonstrate the above mentioned shortcomings:

According to an article published in the professional magazine: JAMA(the Journal of the American Medical Association), Douglas P. Kiel, M D,MPH et al., 2007; 298: 413-422, titled:

Efficacy of a Hip Protector to Prevent Hip Fracture in Nursing HomeResidents:

Coclusions: In this clinical trial of an energy-absorbing/shunting hipprotector conducted in US nursing homes, we were unable to detect aprotective effect on the risk of hip fracture, despite good adherence toprotocol. These results add to the increasing body of evidence that hipprotectors, as currently designed are not effective for preventing hipfracture among nursing home residents.

According to an article published in the professional magazine:PubMed.gov, Parker M J et al., (July 2005), titled:

Hip protectors for preventing hip fractures in older people:

-   -   Authors' conclusions: Accumulating evidence casts some doubt on        the effectiveness of the provision of hip protectors in reducing        the incidence of hap fractures in older people. Acceptance and        adherence by users of the protectors remain poor due to        discomfort and practicality.

According to an article published in the professional magazine:

Age and Ageing, Yvonne F. Birks, et al., 2003, vol. 32 no. 4. BritishGeriatric Society titled:

Randomized controlled trial of hip protectors for the prevention ofsecond hip fractures:

Key Points

-   -   The current evidence to support the use of hip protectors comes        from residential care settings.    -   This report describes the results of a secondary prevention        trial in a community-based sample.    -   No evidence for their efficacy in this sample.    -   More work is required to test them in larger trials in both        residential and community settings.

Several attempts to develop an active hip protector device were made,but none of them materialized into a viable solution.

This may be explained by two main reasons:

-   -   Technical obstacle: A failure to implement a reliable fall        detection method and logic that will avoid false alarms and        faulty system activations.    -   Compliance issue: A failure to design a comfortable wearable        product that will be adopted by the elderly

An example of such an attempt could be an active inflatable hipprotector device described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,500,952 of Keyes, which isincorporated by reference for all purposes as if fully set forth herein.

The hip inflatable protection device contains motion sensors, aninflatable air bag folded into pleats, a battery, a gas cartridge,sensors to determine angular motion and acceleration, a triggeringmechanism to release the gas and a relief valve.

When the user falls, the sensors automatically release gas from thecartridge and inflate the airbag assembly.

The motion sensors, according to Keyes, contain logic controlledcircuits which do not permit inflation of the airbag assembly unlesssignals are received indicating both sufficient acceleration of the bodyand sufficient downward angular motion.

The sensors according to Keyes may include acceleration and orientationsensors.

When the hip inflatable protection device senses body movement of aselected and predetermined acceleration and senses downward angularmotion of selected and predetermined magnitude, the device signals thetriggering mechanism to fire. This releases compressed gas from thecompressed gas cartridge inflating the invention.

After use the relief valve is opened to release air from the airbagassembly, the pleats are reinserted into the hip inflatable protectiondevice, a gas cartridge is replaced and the hip inflatable protectiondevice is ready for reuse.

The fact that, as of now, there is no effective solution to activereal-time hip fracture prevention caused by falls is unambiguous.

Previous attempts to provide real-time active hip fracture preventionsolutions lacked the capability to provide continuous measurement of thedistance or height of the pelvis and the hips relative to the ground.Likewise, they lacked the combination of hip proximity to the grounddata with pelvis vertical velocity and acceleration data in order toreliably detect falls.

Basing the assessment of a falling situation on angular diversion of thebody could result in false activation, since as a person can regainbalance after losing it, for example by means of grabbing a nearby pieceof furniture. Namely, the solutions known today are not capable ofproperly and distinctly recognizing a situation of impending inevitablecollision with the ground.

The invention described hereinafter is intended to solve the abovementioned deficiencies and suggest an innovative technical and devicedesign approach.

By adding a robust height measurement system that will be placed on thebody and cross referencing the height data with other sensors, thesystem will allow, for the first time, for significantly lower andacceptable false negative and false positive detection rates that willin turn enable the system to be put to real world usage.

BRIEF SUMMARY EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

The background art does not teach or suggest a system and/or a methodthat can properly recognize a situation of impending inevitablecollision with the ground.

Embodiments of the present invention demonstrate a hip protector systemthat is intended to solve the above mentioned shortcomings ofconventional hip protectors, by providing effective active real-timeprotection against hip fractures caused by falls.

Additional objects and advantages of the invention will be set forth inpart in the description which follows and, in part, will be obvious fromthe description, or may be learned by practice of the invention.

According to the teaching of the present invention there is provided ahip protector system including: (a) a pouch having a pouch front cover,an external side, an internal side, a rear segment, a frontal segment, aleft end, and a right end, wherein the pouch has a pouch length measuredbetween the left end, and the right end, the pouch including: (i) atleast one proximity sensor, located partially inside the pouch; (ii) atleast one gyro, located Inside the pouch; (iii) at least oneaccelerometer, located inside the pouch; and (iv) a micro controllerunit located inside the pouch, wherein the micro controller unit isoperatively connected to the proximity sensor, to the gyro, and to theaccelerometer; and (b) a pneumatic sub-system, operatively connected tothe micro controller unit, the pneumatic sub-system including: (i) a gascanister, (ii) a gas discharge valve attached to the gas canister,wherein the discharge valve is adapted to receive an inflationactivation signal; (iii) a gas outlet attached to the discharge valve;(iv) a pneumatic tubule operatively connected to the gas outlet; (v) atleast one gas valve operatively connected to the pneumatic tubule; (vi)at least one gas intake valve operatively connected to the pneumatictubule; and (vii) at least one airbag operatively connected to the atleast one gas intake valve.

According to the teaching of the present invention the pneumaticsub-system is located inside the pouch, the pouch further including;(viii) a main battery located inside the pouch, electrically connectedto the at least one proximity sensor, the gyro, the accelerometer, themicro controller unit, and the gas discharge valve.

According to the teaching of the present invention the pouch furtherincludes: (ix) a system status and integrity indicator, located insidethe pouch, wherein the system status and integrity indicator isoperatively connected to the micro controller unit, wherein the systemstatus and integrity indicator is electrically connected to the mainbattery.

According to the teaching of the present invention the pouch furtherincludes: (x) a power supply bus, located inside the pouch, electricallyconnected between the main battery and the at least one proximitysensor, between the main battery and the gyro, between the main batteryand the accelerometer, between the main battery and the micro controllerunit, between the main battery and the gas discharge valve, and betweenthe main battery and the system status and integrity indicator.

According to the teaching of the present invention the system status andintegrity indicator includes: (vii.i) a warning buzzer; (vii.ii) a faultdisplay; and (vii.iii) a reset button.

According to the teaching of the present invention the pneumaticsub-system further includes: (v.vii) a manifold, operatively connectedto the pneumatic tubule, between the gas outlet and the at least one gasintake valve; and (v.viii) a gas pressure gage attached to the gascanister, operatively connected to the micro controller unit, andelectrically connected to the power supply bus.

According to the teaching of the present invention the pouch furtherincludes:

(xi) an automatic alert/alarm transmitter, located inside the pouch,electrically connected to the main battery and operatively connected tothe micro controller unit.

According to the teaching of the present invention the pouch furtherincludes: (x) at least one compartment, wherein the at least one airbagis located inside the at least one compartment.

According to the teaching of the present invention the hip protectorsystem further includes: (c) a locking device attached to the pouch.

According to the teaching of the present invention the hip protectorsystem further includes: (c) a latch attached to the left end; (d) abuckle mounted on the pouch; (e) an adjustment clasp mounted on thepouch; and (f) an auto operation switch attached to the buckle, whereinthe operation switch is electrically connected to the main battery, andoperatively connected to the micro controller unit.

According to the teaching of the present invention the pouch furtherincludes: (xi) a main switch, located inside the pouch wherein the mainswitch is electrically connected to the main battery.

According to the teaching of the present invention the at least oneairbag is configured to have a predetermined airbag inflation size at afully inflated state of the airbag.

According to the teaching of the present invention the pneumaticsub-system is located outside the pouch, wherein the pouch furtherincludes; (vi) a main battery located inside the pouch, electricallyconnected to the at least one proximity sensor, the gyro, theaccelerometer, and the micro controller unit; and (vii) a transmitter,located inside the pouch, electrically connected to the main battery andoperatively connected to the micro controller unit.

According to the teaching of the present invention the pneumaticsub-system further includes: (viii) a gas pressure gage attached to thegas canister; (ix) a pneumatic sub-system switch; (x) a pneumaticsub-system battery electrically connected to the pneumatic sub-systemswitch, and to the gas discharge valve; and (xi) a receiver electricallyconnected to the pneumatic sub-system battery.

According to the teaching of the present invention the micro controllerunit is adapted to continuously process distance signals received fromthe at least one proximity sensor, spatial orientation signals receivedfrom the gyro and vertical acceleration signals received from theaccelerometer, and to control and to manage an automated operation ofthe hip protector system.

According to the teaching of the present invention the micro controllerunit is adapted to continuously process distance signals received fromthe at least one proximity sensor, spatial orientation signals receivedfrom the gyro and vertical acceleration signals received from theaccelerometer, and to control and to manage an automated operation ofthe hip protector system.

According to the teaching of the present invention the hip protectorsystem further includes: (c) a decorative cover attached to the pouch.

According to the teaching of the present invention there is provided amethod of operation of a hip protector system, the method including thestages of: (a) receiving a vertical acceleration signals from anaccelerometer; (b) asking if the vertical acceleration is not equal tothe gravity acceleration; (c) switching to idle mode of operation, ifspecific combinations of conditions in which both hip height data andthe vertical acceleration data indicate a continuous motionless sittingor lying down situation; (d) switching to normal mode of operation assoon as the vertical acceleration value other than gravity accelerationvalue is identified; (e) receiving proximity measurement distancesignals, from at least one proximity sensor and receiving spatialorientation signals provided by a gyro; (f) calculating height valuesbased on the proximity measurement distance signals and the spatialorientation signals and transferring the height values to a heightcomparator, (g) determining a specific reference height value, once thewearer is in a fully stretched standing position; (h) computing downwardvelocity; (i) calculating height changes; (j) asking if a rate of changeis continuous; (k) switching to end non-action mode, if the rate ofchange is not continuous; (l) asking if data values are within acollision envelope; (m) declaring an emergency fall detection status ifa predetermined number of the within collision envelope data sets arefound by a counter and fall trend analyzer.

According to the teaching of the present invention the method ofoperation of a hip protector system further includes the stages of: (n)asking if to activate inflation, and if the answer is positive, sendingan inflation activation signal; and (o) inflating at least one airbag.

According to the teaching of the present invention the method ofoperation of a hip protector system further includes the stages of: (p)discharging gas from the airbag; (q) reporting; and (r) turning the hipprotector system to off mode.

According to the teaching of the present invention there is provided amethod for use of a hip protector system, the method including thestages of: (a) wearing a pouch of a hip protector system by a wearer,around the wearer waist and adjusting the pouch to the wearer waist sizeby using an adjustment clasp; (b) locking a pouch locking device while amain switch is in on position, and automatically activating the hipprotector system by an auto operation switch located in the lockingdevice; (c) performing, by the hip protector system, a systemauto-self-testing procedure; (d) issuing, by a buzzer of the hipprotector system, a specific readiness confirmation sound and enteringthe hip protector system to a default normal mode of operation; and (e)as soon as the wearer is in a fully stretched standing position, the hipprotector system is performing an automatic procedure of waist heightre-calibrating.

According to the teaching of the present invention the method for use ofa hip protector system further includes the stages of: (f) switching thehip protector system to an operating idle mode; and (g) switching thehip protector system to an operating normal mode.

According to the teaching of the present invention the method for use ofa hip protector system further includes the stages of: (f) as soon asthe hip protector system identifies an increased likelihood of animpending fall the hip protector system is automatically switching tofall alert mode of operation; (g) following an undoubted identificationof a fall progression of the wearer that is going to end-up in acollision with a ground surface, the hip protector system is declaringan emergency fall detection situation and performing a series ofautomated operations intended to minimize impact damage and informingrelevant people and authorities on the wearer's fall event; (h) issuing,by the hip protector system, a prompt command to inflate airbags inorder to provide effective protection against fall impact and preventthe wearer hips from direct impact with the ground surface; and (i)inflating and popping out of the airbags.

According to the teaching of the present invention the method for use ofa hip protector system further includes the stages of: (j) transmitting,by the hip protector system, an automated fall-alarm call/message; and(k) as soon as the airbags undergo a contraction caused by an impactwith the ground surface an airbag gas discharge mechanism isautomatically performing a controlled gas discharging process.

According to the teaching of the present invention the method for use ofa hip protector system further includes the stage of: (l) after apredetermined time following the stage of inflating and popping out ofsaid airbags, turning off the hip protector system.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention is herein described, by way of example only, withreference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of a hip protectorsystem according to the present invention.

FIG. 2a is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of a split hipprotector system, without a pneumatic sub-system, according to thepresent invention.

FIG. 2b is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of a pneumaticsub-system, according to the present invention.

FIG. 3a is a perspective front view schematic illustration of anembodiment of a hip protector system according to the present invention.

FIG. 3b is a side cross section view through an airbag schematicillustration of an embodiment of a hip protector system according to thepresent invention.

FIG. 3c is a perspective back view schematic illustration of anembodiment of a hip protector system 1 ornamented with a decorativecover 12 according to the present invention.

FIG. 4 illustrates a wearer standing while wearing a hip protectorsystem according to the present invention, the airbags of which are notinflated.

FIG. 5 illustrates a wearer lying on the side after having fallen,wearing a hip protector system according to the present invention, theairbags of which are inflated.

FIG. 6 illustrates the location of the waist, the hip, and the pelvis inthe human body.

FIG. 7 illustrates a wearer, in mid-fall situation, wearing a hipprotector system according to the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a flow chart that schematically illustrates an operation of ahip protector system in accordance with an embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 9 is a flow chart that schematically illustrates a method of use ofa hip protector system in accordance with an embodiment of the presentinvention.

In order to leave no room for doubt, the elements are shown in theillustrations of the present patent application in a manner that enablesunderstanding them clearly, and the scales, size relations, and shapesare not in any way limiting their embodiment.

Likewise, it is noted that reference numerals may be repeated among thefigures to indicate corresponding or analogous elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

To remove any doubt, note that the manner in which the elements of thepresent invention are described in the illustrations can be highlydetailed, however is not in any way limiting the present illustration,however is for the purpose of clarification and furtheringunderstanding. The present invention can be implemented in embodimentsthat differ from the specification given with regard to theillustration.

The present invention is in the technical field of individual healthcareand safety.

More particularly, the present invention is in the technical field ofhip protector systems aimed at preventing hip fractures as well as otherfall related fractures that could result from fall impact of the pelviswith the ground.

The principles and operation of a hip protector system according to thepresent invention may be better understood with reference to thedrawings and the accompanying description.

Before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, itis to be understood that the invention is not limited in its applicationto the details of construction and the arrangement of the components setforth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings.

Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used hereinhave the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill inthe art to which this invention belongs. The materials, dimensions,methods, and examples provided herein are illustrative only and are notintended to be limiting.

The following list is a legend of the numbering of the applicationillustrations:

-   -   1 hip protector system    -   10 pouch    -   10 a compartment    -   10 b pouch front cover    -   10 e external side (of the pouch)    -   10 i internal side (of the pouch)    -   10 r rear segment (of the pouch)    -   10 f frontal segment (of the pouch)    -   10 g locking device    -   10 h buckle (of the locking device)    -   10 k latch (of the locking device)    -   10 m adjustment clasp    -   10 l pouch length    -   10 p left end (of the pouch)    -   10 q right end (of the pouch    -   12 decorative cover    -   12 a hook-and-loop fasteners    -   21 proximity sensor    -   21 a proximity sensor tilt angle    -   21 b the proximity sensor package downward axis    -   21 c a line perpendicular to the plane of wearer's waist    -   22 gyro    -   23 accelerometer    -   40 MCU (Micro Controller Unit)    -   41 automatic alert/alarm transmitter    -   50 power supply bus    -   60 system status and integrity indicator    -   61 warning buzzer    -   62 fault display    -   63 reset button    -   71 main switch    -   72 main battery    -   73 auto operation switch    -   74 pneumatic sub-system battery    -   75 pneumatic sub-system switch    -   80 pneumatic sub-system    -   80 a gas    -   81 gas canister    -   82 gas discharge valve    -   83 gas outlet    -   84 manifold    -   85 gas intake valve    -   86 airbag    -   87 gas discharge mechanism    -   88 gas pressure gage    -   91 electrical wire    -   92 signal line    -   93 pneumatic tubule    -   101 hip to ground surface distance    -   102 height    -   102 a shortest height    -   102 b reference height    -   103 downward velocity    -   104 comparison and calculation    -   105 gas discharge    -   106 reporting    -   107 vertical acceleration    -   108 height calculator    -   109 height comparator    -   110 commanding to turn the system off    -   111 distance signal    -   112 spatial orientation signal    -   113 vertical acceleration signal    -   114 inflation activation signal    -   115 self-test activation signal    -   116 system malfunction alert signal    -   117 fall-alarm activation signal    -   118 system turn-off signal    -   120 airbag inflation size    -   122 pelvis to ground surface distance    -   200 wearer    -   201 waist (of the wearer)    -   202 hip (of the wearer)    -   203 pelvis (of the wearer)    -   204 wearer's waist plane    -   205 abdomen (of the wearer)    -   250 ground surface    -   260 object (on the ground)    -   301 storage device containing height sampling database    -   302 storage device containing collision envelope database    -   303 storage device containing continuity criteria and scenarios    -   304 storage device containing downward velocity database    -   401 asking: “vertical acceleration other than gravity?”    -   402 asking: “continuous rate of change?”    -   403 asking: “within collision envelope?”    -   404 asking: “activate inflation?”    -   410 counter and fall trend analyzer    -   450 end    -   501 transmitter    -   502 receiver    -   601 normal mode    -   602 idle mode    -   603 fall alert mode    -   604 fall detection mode

Embodiments of the present invention disclose an active hip protectorsystem equipped with a fall detection capability, based (among otherelements and characteristics) on proximity sensing. The hip protectorsystem provides active protection against hip fractures caused by falls.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention are explained indetail by referring to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of a hip protectorsystem 1 according to the present invention.

Components of the hip protector system 1 are engaged in a belt-likepouch 10 made of, for example, fabric. The illustration shows thatelectrical currents flow between the components of the hip protectorsystem 1 through electrical wires 91 and power supply bus 50. Signalsare transmitted through signal lines 92, and the gas flows throughpneumatic tubule 93, however this is in no way limiting the presentinvention.

In case of a fall event, the inflated airbags 86, made for example fromfabric or thermoplastic material, provide the essential physicalprotection to the hips of the wearer by cushioning, absorbing, anddissipating the fall impact energy and preventing direct contact betweenthe hips and the ground surface.

The hip protector system 1 includes a pneumatic sub-system 80, which mayalso include gas canister 81, which is connected to a gas pressure gage88 and a gas discharge valve 82, which is connected to a gas outlet 83.The gas outlet 83 is connected to a pneumatic tubule 93, which is splitby means of a manifold 84, from which a pneumatic tubule 93 goes to eachgas intake valve 85 of each one of the airbags 86.

Note that other configurations of pneumatic systems are also included inthe scope of the present invention.

In order to achieve a better cushioning effect, according to onevariation of the embodiment, the airbags 86 are equipped with a gasdischarge mechanism 87 that releases part of the gas 80 a (not shown inthe present drawing, shown in FIG. 3b ), following the airbag 86contraction caused by impact with the ground surface 250, (not shown inthe present drawing, shown in FIGS. 4, 5 and 7).

One or more gas canisters 81 contain compressed gas 80 a required forairbag 86 inflation.

The gas 80 a could be for example helium, nitrogen, CO₂ or any othersuitable gas. The overall volume of the gas canister/s could be forexample 0.05 liter. The overall volume of the released gas could be forexample 16 liters, divided equally between the two airbags. The size ofthe fully inflated airbag could reach for example 30 cm parallel to thewaist plane 204 of the wearer.

The gas 80 a is released into the airbags 86, for example using inlaidpneumatic tubules 93.

Once the gas discharge valve 82 receives an activation signal from thesystem's MCU (Micro Controller Unit) 40, it immediately triggers forexample an electro-mechanic sequence of operation by which the gascanister 81 discharges its content through the gas outlet 83.

According to a variation of the embodiment, electrical wiring thatincludes wires 91 connects all electricity consuming components to themain battery 72 via a power supply bus 50.

According to a variation of the embodiment an auto operation switch 73is electrically connected to the power supply bus 50.

According to a variation of the embodiment an auto alert/alarmtransmitter 41 can receive signals from the MCU 40.

According to a variation of the embodiment, a proximity sensor 21, ofultrasonic type, or infrared type, or laser diode coupled withComplementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor (CMOS), or Charge Coupled Device(CCD) Image sensors or laser diode coupled with a time of flightdetector, is positioned, for example, adjacent to each hip 202 (notshown in the present drawing, shown in FIGS. 5 and 6), and a thirdproximity sensor 21 is positioned adjacent to the rear center of thepelvis 203 (not shown in the present drawing, shown in FIG. 6).

Each proximity sensor 21 provides measurements of hip to ground surfacedistance 101 from the hip 202 or the pelvis 203 to the ground surface250 (not shown in the present drawing shown in FIGS. 4, 5 and 6), whichaccording to a variation of the embodiment are performed on a continuousdata sampling basis.

The fall detection method and logic of operation enable the hipprotector system 1 to distinguish between measurements of the distanceto the ground surface and the distance to other objects that may reflectthe transmitted signals.

This unique capability of the hip protector system 1 is achieved throughthe fusion and analysis of the signals received from both the proximitysensors 21 and the gym-accelerometer sensor (or gyro 22 andaccelerometer 23 sensors).

MCU 40 controls and manages an automated operation of the hip protectorsystem 1 by receiving, processing, calculating, updating and storingdata and by receiving and sending signals from and to the system modulesand components.

The MCU 40 processes input signals received from the fall sensingsensors such as proximity sensors 21, gyro 22 and accelerometer 23.

According to a variation of the embodiment the gyro 22 and accelerometer23 are applied in a single package by means of MEMS technology.

The present invention is not limited to the usage of any specificquantity of any type of sensor.

According to a variation of the embodiment, a gyro 22 is locatedadjacent to the center of the rear segment 10 r (not shown in thepresent drawing, shown in FIG. 3a ) of the pouch 10 and may provide theMCU 40 with information on the spatial orientation of the wearer's waistplane 204 (not shown in the present drawing, shown in FIGS. 4 and 5).

According to a variation of the embodiment an accelerometer 23 locatedadjacent to the center of the rear segment 10 r of the pouch providesthe MCU 40 with the data required for the computation of the wearer'spelvis 203 (not shown in the present drawing, shown in FIGS. 5 and 6)vertical acceleration.

The rear segment 10 r of the pouch 10 is defined as a segment designatedto be in close proximity to the back of the wearer when he or she iswearing the hip protector system 1.

According to a variation of the embodiment an automatic alert/alarmtransmitter 41 may for example send an alarm by means of voice callsand/or text messages to pre-selected phone numbers, notifying them ofthe fall event of the system wearer immediately following airbagdeployment. The voice/text messages may be sent for example via anapplication installed in the wearer's cellular phone.

The frontal segment 10 f (not shown in the present drawing, shown inFIGS. 3a and 4) of the pouch 10 is defined as a segment designated to bein close proximity to the user's abdomen 205 (not shown in the presentdrawing, shown in FIG. 4) when he or she is wearing the hip protectorsystem 1.

According to a variation of the embodiment a system status and integrityindicator 60 may be located in the frontal segment 10 r of the pouch 10.

The system status and integrity indicator 60 can also include, forexample, as shown in the illustration, warning buzzer 61, fault display62, and reset button 63, however these are in no way limiting thepresent invention and the system status and integrity indicator 60 mayprovide for example visual and audio indications on battery level, gaspressure level, sensor intactness, wiring integrity, alarm systemintactness and more.

According to a variation of the embodiment, in order to ensure thephysical and functional integrity of the system, the MCU 40 may performautomatic self-test procedures, during which for example theaforementioned system parameters are checked on a continuous basis orotherwise.

Following the detection of a malfunction, the MCU 40 issues an alert,such as a warning sound of the buzzer 61 and/or a visual alert to thewearer.

An electricity source, such as a rechargeable main battery 72, providespower to the hip protector system's electricity consuming modules,through a power supply bus 50.

According to a variation of the embodiment the main switch 71 is formedand operated so as to avoid unintentional shut down, for example bymeans of a socket protected turn-off mechanism.

FIG. 2a is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of a split hipprotector system 1, without a pneumatic sub-system 80, according to thepresent invention.

According to the present embodiment, the airbag 86 or airbags 86 (notshown in the present drawing, shown in FIGS. 1, 2 b, 3 a, 3 b and 5) arenot carried within the pouch 10, but rather are positioned elsewhere inthe wearer's close vicinity. This can be on the wearer 200 (not shown inthe present drawing, shown in FIGS. 4, 5, and 7), or in a stationary ormobile position, such as on the floor or the walls or other objectslocated in a room of a house or inside a bath or a shower.

According to the present embodiment, communication with the pneumaticsub-system 80 (not shown in the present drawing, shown in FIGS. 1 and 2b) could be achieved via WI-Fi, Bluetooth or another form of short-rangecommunication protocol, and in this case the pouch 10 contains asuitable transmitter 501.

FIG. 2b is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of a pneumaticsub-system 80, according to the present invention.

The pneumatic sub-system 80 according to the present embodiment can alsobe positioned elsewhere in the wearer's close vicinity, in a stationaryor mobile position, such as on the floor or the walls or other objectslocated in a house room or inside a bath or a shower.

In this case, the pneumatic sub-system 80 is activated via Wi-Fi,Bluetooth, or another form of short-range communication protocol, bytransmission received from transmitter 501 (not shown in the presentdrawing, shown in FIG. 2a ).

The pneumatic sub-system 80 includes a receiver 502 and receiveselectric energy from a pneumatic sub-system battery 74 which can beactivated and deactivated by means of a pneumatic sub-system switch 75.

The present illustration shows four airbags 86, however this is in noway limiting the present invention and there may be a different quantityin use. Likewise, the shape and size of the airbags 86 and their volumein an inflated state can be varied. Likewise, the volume of the gascanister 81 should to conform the overall volume to which the compressedgas within is supposed to expand.

FIG. 3a is a perspective front view schematic illustration of anembodiment of a hip protector system 1 according to the presentinvention.

To enable presentation of the components contained within the pouch 10,in several places, pieces of the pouch front cover 10 b have beenremoved from the illustration.

During usage, the pouch 10 is worn around the waist 201 of the wearer200 (not shown in the present drawing (shown in FIGS. 4, 5, and 7) andlocked by a locking device such as a quick release buckle 10 and latch10 k comprising a locking device 10 g.

The buckle 10 b is described here as connected to the left end of thepouch 10 p and the latch 10 k is described here as connected to theright end (of the pouch) 10 q. Likewise, an adjustment clasp 10 m,designated to enable adjusting the size of the pouch length 101, isassembled for the purpose of strapping onto the waist 201 of a specificwearer 200.

The illustration shows auto operation switch 73, which is assembled tothe buckle 10 h.

After strapping on the pouch and locking the locking device 10 g, whenthe latch 10 k is engaged with the buckle 10 h, the auto operationswitch 73 is activated and triggers the hip protector system 1 byenabling the connection of the main battery 72 to the electricityconsuming components through the power supply bus 50.

The pouch 10 incorporates compartments 10 a designed for storing thesystem components.

Inflatable airbags 86 are stored in external compartments 10 a, at leastone of which, according to one variation of the embodiment, is anexternal side quick-opening compartment 10 a.

Once inflated, the airbags 86 instantly pop out of their compartments 10a while staying attached to the pouch 10.

In case of a fall event, the inflated airbags 86 provide the essentialphysical hip protection by cushioning, absorbing and dissipating thefall impact energy while preventing direct contact between the hips 202(not shown in this drawing, shown in FIGS. 4 and 6) and the groundsurface 250 (not shown in this drawing, shown in FIGS. 4, 5, and 7).

FIG. 3b is a side cross section view through an airbag 86 schematicillustration of an embodiment of a hip protector system 1 according tothe present invention.

In the state shown in the illustration, the airbag 86 is inflated andcontains gas 80.

According to some variation of the embodiment pouch 10 is equipped withinternal passages for inlaid pneumatic tubules 93 and electrical wires91.

The side of the pouch designated to be facing the user's body is definedas the internal side 10 i of the pouch and the opposite side is definedas the external side 10 e of the pouch.

FIG. 3c is a perspective back view schematic illustration of anembodiment of a hip protector system 1 ornamented with a decorativecover 12 according to the present invention.

The pouch 10 is ornamented with an easily mounted and removabledecorative cover 12 made of, for example, fabric. The decorative cover12, according to a variation of the embodiment shown herein, may wrapthe pouch 10 without covering the proximity sensors 21. According to avariation of the embodiment shown herein, the decorative cover 12 isclosed around the pouch 10 by means of small size fabric hook-and-loopfasteners 12 a located in a few points along the cover 12. The fastenersmay easily be released once the airbags 86 get inflated and pop out oftheir compartments 10 a (not shown in this drawing, shown in FIG. 3a ).

FIG. 4 illustrates a wearer 200 standing while wearing a hip protectorsystem 1 according to the present invention.

The airbags 86 (not shown in the present drawing, shown in FIGS. 1, 2 b,3 a, 3 b, and 5) of which are not inflated and are contained in foldedconfiguration within external compartments 10 a, located above thewearer's hips 202, and cannot be seen.

The illustration defines a proximity sensor tilt angle 21 a as an anglethe origin of which is at the proximity sensor 21 and is measuredbetween the proximity sensor package downward axis 21 b and a line 21 cperpendicular to the plane 204 of wearer's waist.

The present illustration shows measurements of two proximity sensors 21;one measures the hip to ground surface distance 101 to the groundsurface 250, while the other measures the hip distance 101 a to anobject 260 placed on the ground 250.

The height 102, of the hip 202 above the ground or an object placed onthe ground is the vertical component of the distance 101 between aproximity sensor 21 to the ground surface 250.

The shortest height 102 a of one of the hips 202 above the ground or anobject placed on the ground is presented in the figure as the verticalcomponent of the distance 101 a between a proximity sensor 21 to theobject 260, in this specific case—a living room table, placed on theground.

It should be emphasized that, in order to secure wearer compliance, thedesign of the hip protector system 1 according to the present inventionis such that the pouch 10 is conveniently worn, around the wearer'swaist 201, like a decorative belt, and no part of it needs to beattached to the wearer's body beneath the waist plane 204 of the wearer.

The pouch 10 is worn over the user's clothing; its circumference isadjustable and it is locked by a one-click buckle in a most simple andconvenient way.

FIG. 5 illustrates a wearer 200 lying on the side after having fallen,wearing hip protector system 1 according to the present Invention, theairbags 86 of which are inflated.

The large size of the fully deployed airbags 86 protects the femur andin particular the greater trochanter of the femur from direct impactwith the ground, by providing a sufficient interspace between thewearer's waist 201 and the ground surface 250, and protects the wearer200 by absorbing and dissipating the fall impact energy, thus preventingimpact injury to the wearer.

The two semi-circled design airbags 86, wrapping the right and left partof the wearer's waist plane 204, in one of the embodiments of thepresent invention, provide support to the pelvis in a way that couldprovide protection against other potential fall related fractures andinjuries of the pelvis area.

As the present illustration shows, in a fully inflated state of anairbag 86 the airbag inflation size 120, which is the actual distancebetween the wearer's waist 201 to the ground surface 250, at theinstance of the wearer's impact with the ground, is larger than thepelvis to ground surface distance 122.

Proper design and production of the hip protector system ensure that fora wearer 200 of a given weight, at least a predetermined size 120 of theairbag inflation will be achieved.

FIG. 6 illustrates the location of the waist 201, the hip 202, and thepelvis 203 in the human body.

FIG. 7 illustrates a wearer 200, in mid-fall situation, wearing a hipprotector system 1 according to the present invention.

The illustration defines hip to ground surface distance 101 as thedistance measured between a proximity sensor 21 and the point on theground surface 250 from which the sensor signal is reflected back, whilethe height 102 is the vertical component of the hip to ground surfacedistance 101 between a proximity sensor 21 to the ground surface 250.

The height 102 is calculated based upon the spatial orientation signalsreceived from the gyro 22 (not shown in the present drawing, shown inFIGS. 1, 2 a, 3 a, and 8).

Likewise, the illustration shows a downward velocity 103, which is thevertical velocity of the pelvis calculated by measurement of thevertical acceleration 107 by the accelerometer 23 (not shown in thepresent drawing, shown in FIG. 1, 2 a, 3 a, and 8). In another way thevertical velocity 103 is calculated based on the change in the height102 as a function of time.

FIG. 8 is a flow chart that schematically illustrates operation of a hipprotector system 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the presentinvention.

Note: for reading convenience, elements are numbered in parentheseshere, even though they do not appear in the present flow chart.

Note: any of the following decision making algorithms (401, 402, 403 and404) that ends up in a decision not to act and denoted by “END”, isnumbered (450).

Once the main switch (71) is in “on” position and the wearer wears thepouch, the auto operation switch (73) is activated by the locking device(10 g) and turns on the hip protector system (1), by connecting thebattery (72) to all electricity consuming components (21, 22, 23, 40,41, 60, 82, and 88) via the power supply bus (50).

Once activated, the system MCU (40) sends a self-test activation signal115, which initiates an auto self-test procedure, validating thesystem's physical and logical integrity, the functioning of the sensors,battery power level and gas pressure level.

Once a malfunction is detected, its code appears in the fault display(62) of the status & integrity indicator (60). Faults are announced byan alert sound produced by the warning buzzer (61).

Following malfunction detection, the MCU (40) sends a system malfunctionalert signal (116) that triggers the transmission of an alertnotification to pre-defined destinations via the auto alert/alarmtransmitter (41). The transmission operation may be performed by adestined application stored in the wearer's cell-phone.

The wearer is able to reset the alert sound via the reset button (63),but the system stays non-operative as long as the malfunction has notbeen handled.

Following a faultless self-test procedure, the buzzer (61) issues aspecific readiness sound and the system enters its default “normal” (N)mode of operation (601).

Once the wearer is in a fully stretched standing position, based onheight data (102) derived from proximity and spatial orientationmeasurements, the system records his or her waist height (102) and usesit as a specific reference height value (102 b) for further computations(a system parameter associated with the specific wearer). The referenceheight value (102 b) may be updated during the next cycle of hipprotector system (1) operation.

System algorithms handle the differences between distance valuesreceived from the three proximity sensors (21), which may result, forexample, from asymmetrical standing posture as well as, for example,from an object on the ground (260) within the wearer's close vicinity.

The proximity sensors (21) are pointing downwards at a predeterminedtilt angle (21 a) off the perpendicular to the wearer's waist plane(204), in order to minimize signal reflections from the wearer's bodyand/or clothing.

The proximity measurement distance signals (111) are transmitted andreceived at a sampling rate that may change in accordance with thesystem's mode of operation.

Measurements of hip (202) to ground surface (250) distance (101) andpelvis (203) to ground surface (250) distance (122) are transformed bythe MCU (40) height calculator (108) into height values (102), by fusionwith spatial orientation signals (112) provided by the system gyro (22).

The calculated height values (102) are transferred to the heightcomparator (109).

A series of the recently sampled height values (102) for each hip andthe pelvis, for a predefined time-slot, is being recorded and stored inthe height database 301, for real-time motion trend analysis and forfuture pre-fall circumstance analysis purposes.

At the same time, a data comparison and calculation (104) of the heightchange trend is executed, based on height data provided by the heightcomparator (109) and the recent height data series stored in the heightdata database (301).

A series of the recently sampled pelvis downward velocity values (103),for a predetermined time-slot, is being recorded and stored in thevelocity database 304 for the aforementioned purposes.

System logic assigns higher attention priority to the hip with theshortest height (102 a) relative to the ground surface (250) or anobject (260) placed on the ground.

Simultaneously, ongoing computations of downward velocity (103) of thepelvis are executed by the MCU (40) via two channels, for cross-checkreasons.

The first channel computes the downward velocity (103) based on changeof height (102) vs. time.

The second channel computes the downward velocity by utilizing verticalacceleration (107) vs. time data.

In order to avoid false fall alarms and fault system activations, theMCU (40), through its specific set of sensors (21, 22, and 23) andsystem algorithms, is capable of “filtering” misleading shortest height(102 a) measurements that may mistakenly be interpreted as an impendingfall situation.

Such false indications may be caused by signal reflections from objectsthat temporarily block the line of sight between the proximity sensors21 and the ground surface (250); mainly, from static or moving objectsplaced on the ground surface or from the wearer's limbs and clothing.

This “filtering” capability is achieved through continuous cross-checksbetween the reflected signals received from the three proximity sensors(21), as well as by cross-checks of the correlation between the measuredchanges of hip to ground surface distance (101) and the downwardvelocity (103) values.

Irregularity in distance measurements is identified by the discontinuitycriteria database (303) and serves as another measure of false alarmelimination.

As long as the wearer's hip height (102) is within the range of astanding, walking or transit position, the system stays in “normal” (N)mode of operation (601), no matter the pelvis vertical acceleration(113) value.

As long as the pelvis vertical acceleration (113) data indicatesvertical acceleration other than gravity, the system stays in “normal”(N) mode of operation (601), no matter the height (102) values.

At specific combinations of conditions in which both hip height (102)data and vertical acceleration (113) data indicate a continuousmotionless situation, at height values typical to seating or lying-downpositions, the MCU (40) may issue a command to switch to “idle” (I) modeof operation (602), for battery power saving purpose.

At this sort of “hibernation” mode, the gyro (22) and accelerometer (23)continue their regular operation, while the proximity sensors (21)switch into a reduced level of activity and MCU (40) processing andcomputation operations are minimized.

As soon as a vertical acceleration other than gravity is identified bythe system algorithm asking “vertical acceleration≠gravity?” (401),indicating a transition into stand-up position, the MCU (40) issues animmediate command to switch the system back into “normal” (N) mode ofoperation (601).

As soon as a progression of a likely fall is being identified by therelevant system algorithms asking: “continuous rate of change?” (402)and asking: “within collision envelope?” (403), based on both specificheight-velocity sets checked against the collision envelope referencedatabase (302) and height continuity verification against the heightcontinuity criteria reference database (303), the MCU (40) switches thesystem to “fall alert” (FA) mode of operation (603).

At this mode of operation, the MCU (40) may issue a command to increasedata sampling rate, and height-velocity data sets may be checked on aspeeded-up basis against the collision envelope reference database(302).

Once a predetermined number of “within collision envelope” (403) datasets are found by the counter and fill trend analyzer (410) to indicatehigh likelihood of an impending collision with the ground surface (250),an emergency “fall detection” status (FD) (604) is declared by the MCU,and the algorithm asking “activate inflation?” (404) sends an inflationactivation signal (114) to the discharge valve (82) of the gas canister(81).

The gas (80 a) is speedily discharged through the gas canister outlet(83) and manifold (84) and flows rapidly via the pneumatic tubules (93)and the intake valve (85) into the airbags (86).

As soon as the airbags get inflated, they pop-out of their compartments(10 a) and get fully deployed to a size eliminating direct contactbetween the wearer's hips (202) and the ground surface (250).

Once the wearer (200) collides with the ground surface (250) and theairbags (86) undergo a contraction by the impact, the airbag gasdischarge mechanism (87) automatically performs a controlled gasdischarge process (105), aimed at enhancing the cushioning effect andavoiding the wearer from being bounced from the ground surface (250) orbeing trapped between objects in his close proximity.

In parallel to the inflation activation signal (114), the MCU (40)issues a fall-alarm activation signal (117) to the auto alert/alarmtransmitter (41), which executes alarm calls/messaging reporting (106)to its pre-programmed destinations.

Following the aforementioned activation procedures, the MCU (40) sends asystem turn-off signal (118) to the auto operation switch (73),commanding to turn the system off (110).

During regular use: once the wearer takes off the pouch by pressing thebuckle (10 h) release mechanism, the MCU (40) turns the system off (110)after a predetermined period of time.

In even further detail, theoretical data-sets resulting in systemactivation could, for example, be:

TABLE 1 Data-Set Downward velocity Height sequential number [m/s] [m] 10.50 0.8 2 1.20 0.6 3 1.90 0.5

These values are in no way limiting the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a flow chart that schematically illustrates a method of use ofa hip protector system 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the presentinvention.

Note: for reading convenience, elements are numbered in parentheseshere, even though they do not appear in the present flow chart.

The hip protector system (1) is designed and built for fully automatedhands-off operation.

Elderly people's limited motor and cognitive skills require simplicity,convenience, and flexibility in operation of the device, in order tosecure compliance.

For that reason, the system incorporates a lot of automated functions,which don't require active involvement of the wearer.

The hip protector system's method of use is described hereinafter.

Wearing the pouch (10) by the wearer (200) around his waist (201) andadjusting it to his waist size by using the adjustment clasp (10 m)[stage 1001].

Once locking the pouch locking device (10 g) while the main switch (72)is in “on” position, the hip protector system (1) is automaticallyactivated by the auto operation switch (73) located in the lockingdevice (10 g) [stage 1002].

Following its activation, a system auto-self-testing procedure isperformed by the system. If a malfunction is detected, the wearer hearsa warning sound produced by the buzzer (61), and he may read themalfunction code presented in the fault display (62) of the status &integrity indicator (60) [stage 1003].

Once a malfunction has been detected, an automatic malfunction alert isbeing sent to the pre-programmed alert destinations via the system autoalert/alarm transmitter (41), by using, for example, an applicationstored in the wearer's cell-phone. Such a destination could be atechnical support center.

The wearer being able to reset the alarm sound via the reset button(63).

The system stays non-operative as long as the malfunction has not beenhandled.

Following a faultless auto self-test procedure, the buzzer (61) isissuing a specific readiness confirmation sound and the hip protectorsystem (1) is entering its default “normal” (N) mode of operation (601)[stage 1004].

As soon as the wearer is in a fully stretched standing position, the hipprotector system (1) is performing an automatic procedure of waistheight re-calibrating [stage 1005].

This procedure enables the fine-tuning of hip protector system (1)parameters (such as response sensitivity) in accordance with thephysical attributes of the specific wearer, at a specific point in time,as well as the readjustment of parameters due to usage by more than asingle wearer.

Example 1

The same wearer is walking barefoot or, in another circumstance, iswearing high-heeled shoes.

Example 2

Different patients hospitalized in the same hospital department areusing the device alternately.

During routine usage by the wearer, the hip protector system (1) mayswitch from time to time, without his or her awareness and involvement,from operating “normal” (N) mode [stage 1006 a] to operating “idle” (I)mode [stage 1006 b] and vice-versa.

In general, the hip protector system (1) stays in N mode as long as thewearer is in standing, walking and transiting positions. The hipprotector system (1) stays in I mode following identification of ongoingsitting or lying-down positions.

While in standing, walking or transiting position, as soon as the hipprotector system (1) identifies an increased likelihood of an impendingfall, it is automatically, switching to “fall alert” (FA) mode ofoperation [stage 1007].

Assuming that fall progression stops, the system switches back to Nmode.

Alternately, if fall progression continues, the hip protector system (1)has the option of switching to “fall detection” (FD) mode of operation.

Following an undoubted identification of a wearer fall progression thatis going to end-up in a collision with the ground surface (250), the hipprotector system (1) is declaring an emergency “fall detection”situation and performing a series of automated operations intended tominimize impact damage and inform relevant people and authorities on thewearer's fall event [stage 1008 a)].

The declaring of the emergency “fall detection” situation is accompaniedby issuing a fall alarm [stage 1008 b].

The hip protector system (1) is issuing a prompt command to inflate theairbags in order to provide effective protection against fall impact andprevent the hips from direct impact with the ground surface,thus—minimizing the likelihood of hip fracture event [stage 1009 a].

The inflating airbags popping out of their built-in compartments withina short time interval are cushioning the fall impact as the wearer'swaist approaches ground surface [stage 1009 b].

In parallel to the airbag inflation activation, the hip protector system(1) is transmitting an automated fall-alarm call/message topre-programmed destinations, such as family members, caregivers andnursing home staff members [stage 1009 c].

Airbag activation report and a maintenance service request message maybe transmitted directly to a technical support center.

As soon as the airbags (86) undergo a contraction caused by the impactwith the ground surface [stage 1010], the airbag gas discharge mechanism(87) is automatically performing a controlled gas discharging process,aimed at enhancing the cushioning effect and avoiding the wearer frombeing bounced from the ground surface (250) or being trapped betweenobjects in his or her close proximity [stage 1011].

After a predetermined time, in order to ensure safe recording ofpre-fall data required for future fall circumstances analysis, the MCU(40) is sending a system turn-off signal (118) to the auto operationswitch (73), which turns off the hip protector system (1) [stage 1012].

Once the system airbags have been inflated, the system becomesinoperative until maintenance activities such as airbag and gas canisterreplacement have been performed.

The primary advantages of the present invention, compared to knownpassive hip protectors and/or previous attempts to develop active hipprotectors, include the following:

-   -   it provides effective physical hip protection against fall        impact injury;    -   It ensures reliable fall detection and minimizes false fall        alarms;    -   It includes height measurements as a key metric used to        determine when a real fall is occurring; and    -   It secures wearer compliance through its simple, practical and        decorative design, making it easy, attractive and suitable to be        worn in almost any indoor and outdoor circumstances.

IN CONCLUSION

Previous attempts to develop fall detection capabilities were typicallybased on diverse embodiments incorporating sets of accelerometers andtilt sensors, located in different places on the user's body.

Fall detection decisions in these embodiments were supposed to be theoutcome of continuous comparison of “normal gait pattern values”(accelerations and tilt angles) to real-time measured values.

The aforementioned method has led td excessively, complex system logicand an unacceptable level of system reliability due to false alarms.

The hip protector system's fall detection logic presented herein isavoiding the pitfalls of previous attempts by introducing a completelydifferent fall detection approach, method, and logic.

The system's fall detection logic, according to the present invention,is based on the comparison of real-time values, as measured by thespecific set of sensing sensors, with pre-defined combinations ofdownward velocity and hip proximity to the ground surface.

This system logic could not be implemented by using a different set ofsensors.

Moreover; this fall detection logic may be translated into much simpleralgorithms and eliminate false alarms for non-falling events such as,for example, abrupt stooping, sitting, or lying down.

The sensors and the detection logic enable the system to identify “idlesituations” during which the system may operate at a lower level ofalert. This information is leveraged by switching the system to a lowenergy consumption mode of operation, which translates into a longerlife-time of the system's battery.

The system's disposable components such as battery, airbags and gascanister, may easily be replaced in the field by the wearer, by his orher helpers, or by a technical support staff member.

While the invention has been described with respect to a limited numberof embodiments, it will be appreciated that many variations,modifications and other applications of the invention may be made.

For example; different embodiments and variations of the presentinvention, utilizing the technology and system logic presented above,may be used in the future for protection against fall related damagesand injuries typical to human sports and leisure activities, such as:skiing, snowboarding, horse riding, skateboard riding and bicycling.

What is claimed is:
 1. A hip protector system comprising: a pouchconfigured to be worn around a waist of a user, wherein the pouchincludes an inflatable airbag; a proximity sensor configured to measurea distance from the user's pelvis to a point on the ground surface; agyro configured to provide spatial orientation of the waist plane of theuser; an accelerometer configured to determine the vertical accelerationof the waist plane of the user; a micro controller unit operativelyconnected to said proximity sensor, said gyro, and said accelerometer;wherein the micro controller unit is configured to: receive a verticalacceleration direction from the accelerometer; receive a proximitymeasurement distance signal, from the proximity sensor; receive orcompute spatial orientation relative to the vertical direction based onsignals provided by the gyro; calculate a height based on said proximitymeasurement distance signal and said spatial orientation; compute afirst value of downward velocity based on a change of the height intime; compute a second value of downward velocity based on the verticalacceleration integrated over time; and correlate the first value ofdownward velocity and the second value of downward velocity to validatea true height in time from the waist plane of the user to the groundsurface, wherein the airbag is inflated responsive to the true heightfrom the waist plane of the user to the ground surface to protect theuser.
 2. The hip protector system of claim 1, wherein the inflatableairbag includes a first airbag and a second airbag, wherein the firstairbag is configured to be wrapped against the right part of the waistof the user, and the second airbag is configured to be wrapped againstthe left part of the waist of the user.
 3. The hip protector system ofclaim 1, further comprising: a pneumatic sub-system to inflate theairbag by discharging compressed gas into the airbag upon detection of afall event.
 4. The hip protector system of claim 1, wherein the microcontroller unit is further configured to: detect a fall event bychecking height-velocity sets of values against a collision envelopereference database and by verifying continuity of the height against aheight continuity criteria reference database, wherein a fall event isdetected if the continuity is verified and a predetermined number ofwithin-collision-envelope height-velocity sets are found.
 5. The hipprotector system of claim 1, further comprising: a pneumatic sub-systemconfigured to inflate the airbag by discharging compressed gas into theairbag, wherein the micro controller unit is configured to: activate thepneumatic sub-system upon detection of a fall event.
 6. The hipprotector system of claim 1, further comprising: gas discharge mechanismconfigured to perform a controlled gas discharging process when theairbag undergoes a contraction caused by an impact with a groundsurface.
 7. A method for hip protection by use of a hip protector systemincluding: a pouch configured to be worn around a waist of a user,wherein the pouch includes an inflatable airbag, a proximity sensorconfigured to measure a distance from the user's pelvis to a point onthe ground surface, a gyro, an accelerometer and a micro controller unitoperatively connected to the proximity sensor, the gyro, and theaccelerometer, the method comprising: receiving a vertical accelerationdirection from the accelerometer; receiving a distance signal from theproximity sensor; receiving or computing spatial orientation relative tothe vertical direction based on signals provided by the gyro;calculating a height respectively based on said distance signal and saidspatial orientation signals; computing a first value of downwardvelocity based on a change of the height in time; computing a secondvalue of downward velocity based on the vertical acceleration integratedover time; and correlating the first value of downward velocity and thesecond value of downward velocity to validate a true height from thewaist plane of the user to the ground surface, wherein the airbag isinflated responsive to the true height from the waist plane of the userto the ground surface to protect the user.
 8. The method for hipprotection of claim 7, wherein the inflatable airbag includes a firstairbag and a second airbag, wherein the first airbag is configured towrap against the right part of the waist of the user, and the secondairbag is configured to wrap against the left part of the waist of theuser.
 9. The method for hip protection of claim 7, further comprising:identifying irregularity in the user's pelvis to ground surface distancemeasurements based on a discontinuity criteria database.
 10. The methodfor hip protection of claim 7, further comprising: checkingheight-velocity sets of values against a collision envelope referencedatabase; verifying continuity of the height against a height continuitycriteria reference database; and detecting a fall event if thecontinuity is verified and a predetermined number ofwithin-collision-envelope height-velocity sets are found.
 11. The methodfor hip protection of claim 7, further comprising: activating apneumatic sub-system upon detection of a fall event; and inflating anairbag by discharging compressed gas into the airbag by the pneumaticsub-system.
 12. The method for hip protection of claim 7, furthercomprising: performing a controlled gas discharging process when aninflated airbag undergoes a contraction caused by an impact with aground surface.